Imphal, December 28: Several civil and student organisations have threatened to launch a general strike in case the State Government remains indifferent to the plight of Jiribam public who had suffered security forces' atrocities during 'operation tornado'.

Demanding that Government convert into action within January 5, 2006 its various assurances towards mitigating distress and anxiety faced by the Jiribam public, representatives of social organisations also took serious note of Manipur Human Rights Commission representatives who had themselves made spot inquiry on the matter.

General secretary of All Manipur Women's Social Reformation and Development Samaj, Ramani Devi speaking to reporters at AMSU headquarters today expressed surprise at the silence maintained by the State Government despite being comprehensively briefed on prevailing situation at various Jiribam villages.

She contended that the Government had detailed information of residents of Butangkhal, Loukoipung, Lamdai Khunou, Harinagar and Barak Circle having endured severe form of army brutalities when Operation Tornado was launched in the early part of October month.

It may be mentioned that along with representatives of various meira paibi lups, Amsu, Nipco, Hericoun, Tips and Human Rights Alerts, MHRC members RK Rajendra and Ng Nongyai had also made spot visits to the affected areas.

Speaking at the occasion, general secretary of Women's Association for Civic Action Kangleipak S Bidyarani asserted that information culled by the spot inspection delegates were highlighted to Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh and Works & Law Minister Th Debendra, who is also the local MLA ,in the form of a memorandum on November 4.Among other demands pursued by the organisations, she listed provision of adequate relief assistance to villagers who have had to endure military atrocities and opening of an IRB battalion on priority basis.

Bidyarani expressed strong resentment that despite assurances from the two leaders for immediate intervention and necessary action implementation of such promises is nowhere evident.

Taking into account lackadaisical attitude of the State authorities to such sensitive issue there is apprehension of whether the Government is scheming ouster of Manipuris from their settlements, she expressed while threatening that failure to act immediately would prompt civil societies to socially ostracise the CM and the Works Minister.

She in sync with Ramani declared that failure to reciprocate positive response from the Government side would constraint the organisations to impose general strike from January 6 noon till 6 pm of the next day.

Comment